Promiseland - Family Challenge Card

A couple weekends ago at the service at church we were given these cards that we used to rate our family on about ten different values we experience in our home. Things like respect, responsibility, and communication, etc.

This was a great conversation starter for Shoji and I. Well I didn't realize that Promiseland had given the children a similar condensed version of it. It had 4-5 questions that you rank from "a little"------- to "a lot", kind of like:

1. I feel treasured
A little ------------------------ A Lot

2. My family talks and has fun together
A little ------------------------ A Lot

3. I feel special
A little ----------------------- A Lot

4. We read the Bible and pray together
A little ----------------------- A Lot

So a week must of passed and as we were going through some papers we found my daughter, Priya's card that she filled out. So I am looking it over and thinking this ought to be pretty good, I think we have some pretty good children, a regular chip off the old block. So I start reading through the list and the first one she marks "a lot". I think "yes!! that is my girl you are treasured!"

Then number 2, and again Priya marks "a lot" and again I rejoice (I think I heard angels singing). Then number 3 and once again this bright young child of the Most High, marks "a lot". I think we are going for the spiritual grand slam! Finally, the last and easiest question of them all about reading the Bible and praying together and she marks... "a little".

A little!! I thought what the...? A Little? Are you kidding me! I mean, I am a pastor and my wife is a Licenced Christian Counselor with an MA, LCPC and a whole bunch of other letters I can't remember, because by now I am getting a little upset. So I start thinking bye, bye bedtime stories, hello KJV, that little girl is going to bed with the good old King James Bible and a memory verse for the rest of her life! I start justifying all the ways I am a good parent and how we pray at dinner and bedtime, I keep thinking how can she mark "a little"?

Well then reality struck. Facts are our friends. The fact is that she marked "a little" and that is what she feels and thinks. I can't argue or deny that is how she sees it. It was very humbling and we as a family started to examine our life. Were we reading the Bible together enough? Do we pray together enough? Then I realize that my little girl may want to read a Bible story more often but maybe I am too busy or impatient. But what a wonderful thing it is to have your child indicate that perhaps they would like to connect with you and God more. That is truly a gift.

Is God speaking to you? Take a little time this week and talk about the sermon with a friend or family. Or stop and listen to your children, perhaps God is talking to you.